Vida Edwards

It is with the greatest regret that we report Vida’s sad passing.

It is hoped that an obituary will appear in the next In Touch.

County Annual Conference.  Statistics for welfare arranged by the County Office during 2009 showed some £254,000 had been outlayed.

Treasurer’s Report. Membership stood at 165.  A cheque of £500 was received from a bequest which would be added to the present Trust Fund of £969.50.

Welfare Caseworkers are urgently required and a basic course will be held on 19/20 June.

Poppy Appeal. It is confirmed that training would be available for new Poppy Appeal Organisers in the near future and for  the existing 4,500 PAOs later.  Cheques for £160 and £54 had been received, the latter being from the coffee morning organised by an Army Cadet.

Standard Bearer. George Fleming was one of twenty RBL Bearers at the funeral in Desborough of a soldier killed in Afghanistan.  He will attend Vida Edwards’ funeral and the Very Rev. John Morley will officiate.

George, who intends to stand down as Branch Standard Bearer at the next AGM, asked if the Committee would consider Mrs Hilary Brazil, a Branch Member, as his successor.  Mr Fleming had served for seventeen years and wished to be considered as Deputy Bearer and be available on occasions when Mrs Brazil could not attend. 

The ATC.  John Standish stated the Cadets will be visiting battlefields and the Menin Gate on 12 -14 March.   

Armed Forces Day Committee.  Mark Hudson stated that, the Committee had four RBL members, representatives from RAFA, RNA, ATC and two members of the local council, with the Army Cadets, St Johns and Police being kept informed.  This year the Committee hoped to arrange a free event in Welland Park on Sunday 4 July to feature a display of vehicles from the Services and Emergency Organisations, etc., to be publicised through a presence at the Carnival.  If any Branch Members felt able to contribute they should consult Mark.